“Dancing With the Stars” co-host Julianne Hough‘s best friend, Nina Dobrev, is starting a new chapter after ending her engagement to Olympic champion Shaun White. Hough and Dobrev’s bond, which began through mutual hairstylist Riawna Capri and a first “friendship date” at a Lakers game, reflects trust, care, and unwavering support.
(Photo credit should read ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)The “Vampire Diaries” actress has leaned on her friendship with Hough throughout her romantic journey, from shared workouts and travel to the 2021 launch of Fresh Vine Wine, a health-conscious, additive-free brand.
Now, Dobrev is embracing a new start. As per a report in People, the split between Dobrev and White was mutual, “made with love and a deep respect for one another,” as Dobrev and White amicably parted ways after five years together.
Dobrev & Shaun White Call Off 5-Year Engagement
Photo by Riccardo Savi/Getty Images for Snow League)The couple was last seen together on August 31, 2025, in Los Angeles, holding hands while running errands. Dobrev later attended the premiere of “Eternity” at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival without her 5-carat engagement ring and removed her engagement post from Instagram.
First Meeting to Marriage Proposal: A Timeline of Their Love
Dobrev and White first crossed paths at an awards show in 2012, but did not truly connect until 2019 at a Tony Robbins event in Florida.
The duo began dating in 2019 and moved in together during the pandemic. White made their relationship Instagram official in May 2020, sharing snapshots of Dobrev giving him a quarantine haircut.
White said at the time, “Nina’s just been so supportive and so amazing through this whole process for me. Through the pandemic, she really made that time in my life special.”
The snowboarder proposed in October 2024 at The Golden Swan in New York City with a 5-carat Lorraine Schwartz diamond. The couple shared photos from the special evening, with White posting on Instagram, “She said YES 💍♾️,” while Dobrev added, “RIP boyfriend, hello fiancé.”
Shared Memories & Moving Forward Respectfully
Throughout their relationship, Dobrev and White shared glimpses of their life together on social media, from vacations to Coachella nights. In 2022, Dobrev supported White during his fifth and final Winter Olympics in Beijing, a milestone he described as “emotional” and “overwhelming.”
Despite the split, sources confirm the couple parted amicably, honoring the love and respect that defined their five-year engagement.
